May 8, 1862 – Battle of McDowell (VA)

Then: Confederates under Stonewall Jackson turned back a threat from the west by elements of Union Gen. Robert Milroy's army. The battle was a draw, but the Federals withdrew deeper into the mountains. Jackson's flank was safe for the time being.

May 23, 1862 – Battle of Lewisburg (now WV)

Then: Union forces held off a sprited early-morning attack as Confederates hoped to break up Federal plans to consolidate in the resources-rich mountains.

2012: Civil War Trails sign and a tour of Civil War sites. A living history history weekend with a re-created street battle is scheduled May 19-20.
Website: www.battleoflewisburg.org.

May 25, 1862 – First Battle of Winchester (VA)

Then: Jackson followed up his startling victory at Front Royal by routing Union Gen. Nathaniel Banks near Winchester. Jackson pursued the Federals to the Potomac River, scaring Lincoln and freezing Union troops intended for the Richmond campaign.

2012:

Ranger-led "History at Sunset" program at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley at 7 pm. May 25.
Website: www.nps.gov/cebe.

Then: Following their victory at Winchester, a detachment of Stonewall Jackson's army approached a strong Union position and garrison at Harpers Ferry. Not willing to take it on, and getting word that other Union forces were preparing a trap, Jackson withdrew without much of a fight.

2012: The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park commemorates the Union defense of Harpers Ferry May 26-27. "Stonewall Stopped: Jackson's 1862 Valley Campaign," features special ranger programs and living history.
Website: www.nps.gov/hafe

Then: A Confederate attempt to attack an isolated wing of the Union army in the Richmond suburbs failed at Seven Pines/Fair Oaks. Southern commander Gen. Joseph E. Johnston was badly wounded during the fighting. Robert E. Lee was named to succeed him.

2012: Nothing remains of the battlefield today. The Seven Pines National Cemetery was established shortly after the war and a Civil War Trails sign at the Sandston Library describes the action.

NPS ranger talks and bus tours are offered on the anniversary of the battle May 31and on June 2. (Sign up for the bus tours by May 16.) www.nps.gov/rich